Looking for a cost-efficient sea freight forwarder to deliver large and heavy items? 1
You can trust Apollo Logistics to do the job for you. We work with an extensive network of international carriers to ship your cargo to and from your desired location.
What is Sea Freight or Ocean Freight?
Sea freight, also known as ocean freight, refers to transporting goods across international waters via large cargo ships. Goods are typically packed into standardised intermodal containers for efficient loading, unloading, and stacking on these massive vessels. Sea freight is the most cost-effective option for transporting large volumes of goods over long distances.
Our flexible services cater to your diverse cargo needs
Cargo comes in all shapes and sizes. This is why we reject a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach in favour of a broad range of sea freight options. Whether you are shipping a massive amount of bulky goods or modest quantities of small goods, Apollo Logistics has got you covered. Containers are important mediums of transportation in sea freight. We supply an assortment of shipping containers to cater for diverse cargo needs. The main categories include Full Container Load (FCL), Less than Container Load (LCL), Out Of Gauge (OOG) containers as well as Dry Van shipping containers.
Different Types of Sea/Ocean Freight
Apollo Logistics offers different types of sea freight in Singapore, which are:
Full Container Load (FCL)
This refers to a standard shipping container that is filled entirely by a single shipper with their own goods. This is the most cost-effective option for large shipments, as you’re paying to use the entire container. FCL containers come in various sizes, but the most common ones are 20ft and 40ft.
Less than Container Load (LCL)
This is a shipping option in which cargo from multiple shippers is consolidated into a single container. It is a good option for smaller shipments that don’t fill an entire container on their own. LCL shipping is generally less expensive than FCL per unit volume, but it can also be slower because cargo needs to be consolidated and unconsolidated at the port.
Out of Gauge (OOG) containers
These are specially designed containers for oversized cargo that cannot fit into a standard container. They come in various shapes and sizes to accommodate different types of oversized cargo, such as construction equipment, machinery, and wind turbine blades. OOG shipments typically require special handling and permitting, and they can be more expensive to ship than standard container cargo.
Dry Van shipping containers
These are the most common type of shipping containers, used for general cargo that is protected from the elements. They are typically made of corrugated steel and come in various sizes, including 20-ft, 40-ft, and 40-ft high cubes. Dry van containers are suitable for a wide variety of cargo types, including palletised goods, boxes, and bags.
We are equipped to ship a broad range of goods
Whether you are a trading company or an individual, our professional team is committed to providing you with a smooth shipping experience. We have experience transporting a variety of goods, including food products and cars. We possess the relevant equipment for secure handling of electronic, temperature-sensitive and fragile goods. Our transport professionals are conscious of the unique cargo risks associated with various types of goods and can be trusted to take the necessary precautions to safeguard your shipments.
How Does Global Sea/Ocean Freight Work
Agreement and Incoterms
Establishing a clear and binding contract is important when the buyer and seller are based in different countries. This contract sets the foundation for the entire sale by outlining key details such as payment terms, product specifications, and, most importantly, Incoterms. Incoterms are a standardised set of international codes defining each party's responsibilities throughout the shipping process. <br><br>They specify who handles tasks like packaging, loading, transportation costs, insurance, and unloading and pinpoint the exact moment ownership of the goods transfers from seller to buyer. Agreeing on Incoterms upfront ensures a smooth and transparent transaction by eliminating any ambiguity about each party's roles and financial obligations.
Labelling and Packaging
The items are packaged using appropriate materials and labelled with all necessary information to comply with shipping regulations.
Booking
The next step involves booking sea freight in Singapore, a process often requiring the expertise of a freight forwarder. These specialists handle securing space on cargo ships for your shipment. They'll not only navigate the complexities of sea freight but also select the most suitable container based on your specific cargo size and weight, ensuring a cost-effective and efficient journey for your goods.
Transportation
This step involves transporting the goods from the supplier's factory to the designated port within the supplier's country. This inland haul can also be arranged through a freight forwarder, who can handle logistics and ensure a smooth transfer to the port for international shipping.
Insurance
Ensure that your marine insurance is secured before the shipment takes place.
Loading of Shipment
Efficient shipping relies on selecting the perfect container for the job. This decision hinges on two key factors: the volume of cargo and any specific requirements it may have. Whether it's the buyer, seller, or freight forwarder making the call, they'll consider these elements to choose the ideal container size and type. Once selected, the container is loaded onto the ship.
Documentation
After the goods are securely loaded onto the vessel, the shipment process takes a crucial step: The ocean carrier issues a bill of lading. This document is a binding agreement between the shipper and the carrier. It spells out all the important details of the transaction, acting as a contract for both parties.
Clearing Customs at Origin
Before setting sail, the shipment undergoes a customs inspection at the port from which it departs. This ensures the goods comply with export regulations.
Shipping Journey
Once cleared, your goods are loaded onto the ship and begin their voyage to the destination port.
Arriving and Clearing Customs
Upon reaching the destination port, the shipment undergoes import customs clearance, which involves inspections and potentially paying any applicable import duties or taxes.
Final Delivery
After clearing customs, arrangements are made to transport the goods from the port to their final destination, which is the buyer's location. Freight forwarders can often assist with this step as well.
Looking for a tailored logistics solution for your business?
Trust Apollo Logistics to fulfil your freight forwarding, warehousing and logistics compliance needs.
Receive a full quotation from our team today or contact us for any general enquiries you might have.
Sea Freight Process with a Freight Forwarder
Particularly in a maritime hub like Singapore, sea freight forwarding services are readily available to streamline your seafaring cargo journey.
Sea freight forwarders in Singapore, or anywhere for that matter, handle the nitty-gritty of shipping your goods by sea. They act as intermediaries between you and the shipping lines, arranging everything from pick-up at your origin warehouse to delivery at the destination port. This includes booking cargo space on vessels, negotiating rates, and ensuring proper documentation is completed for customs clearance.
So, instead of grappling with international trade regulations and liaising with various parties yourself, a sea freight forwarder in Singapore like Apollo Logistics can take care of it all. They’ll handle the paperwork, coordinate with port authorities, and even manage cargo insurance for peace of mind. This allows you to focus on your core business while your goods travel smoothly across the seas.
Goods/Cargo Commonly Shipped with Sea Freight/Forwarding
Bulk Goods
Bulk commodities like coal and grain move the world’s economy. Sea freight reigns supreme for these massive, unpackaged goods. Specially designed bulk carrier ships handle enormous volumes, making sea freight the go-to for industries like mining and agriculture.
Manufactured Products:
A vast array of manufactured goods, including automobiles, machinery, electronics, furniture, and appliances, are ideally suited for ocean freight. These products are typically packaged and secured on pallets to ensure their safe and secure transport.
Consumer Goods
Sea freight serves as a critical facilitator in the international movement of consumer goods, encompassing everything from apparel and footwear to toys and household necessities.
Non-Perishable Food
Thanks to sea freight, non-perishable food items like canned goods, grains, and packaged snacks find their way across oceans. With their extended shelf life and resistance to spoilage, these products are perfectly suited for the longer journeys typical of seafaring cargo.
Construction Materials
Ocean freight proves particularly advantageous for transporting high-volume, dense commodities like steel, cement, timber, bricks, and chemicals. Sea freight offers significant cost savings compared to other transport options, making it the preferred choice for large-scale construction projects.
Benefits of Sea Freight/Shipping
Shipment by sea offers numerous advantages. When shipping with Apollo Logistics, you can benefit from many perks, including:
Cost-Effectiveness
Compared to air freight, sea shipping offers significant savings, especially for large volumes and long distances. This makes it ideal for Singapore’s role in global ocean freight services.
High Capacity
Cargo ships like container vessels can handle massive loads, perfect for Singapore’s bustling sea cargo industry. Whether you’re dealing with full container loads (FCL) or consolidating smaller shipments (LCL), sea freight offers flexibility.
Global Reach
With a vast network of ports worldwide, sea freight connects Singapore to any corner of the globe. This extensive reach is crucial for Singapore’s position as a global trade leader.
Environmentally Friendly
Sea freight boasts a lower carbon footprint compared to air travel. As a sustainability-conscious nation, Singapore can benefit from the eco-friendly nature of ocean shipping.
Safety and Security
Modern ships are equipped to transport delicate or hazardous cargo safely, and strict regulations ensure the secure passage of your goods.
Cost of Sea/Ocean Freight Forwarding Services
The cost of sea freight at Apollo Logistics depends on the cargo volume, as ocean freight rates fluctuate monthly and are not fixed. Contact Apollo Logistics to get a quotation or to find out more information.
Effective planning to lower sea freight costs
We strive to minimise shipment costs and transit time so that you get the most value from your payment. Besides freight cost benchmarking and market movement analytics, we plan your shipment thoroughly to ensure competitive sea freight rates. We recommend the most cost-friendly shipping containers based on accurate measurements of your shipment volume. We weigh the relative advantages of multiple shipping routes before selecting the most suitable route for your budget. If you are a trader, our professional team identifies opportunities for triangulation to further reduce costs.
Our sea freight services ensure a pleasant and flexible shipping experience for our clients. Contact us today for more information and a free quotation for our sea freight services.
FAQ
Is ocean freight safe for fragile goods?
Absolutely. Ocean freight is a reliable option when it comes to shipping fragile goods.
How to choose between Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL) when shipping from Singapore?
When choosing between FCL and LCL, consider shipment size, cost, urgency, and security.
What is the size of ocean freight containers?
The size of ocean freight containers will depend on the goods you are transporting. For more information and to get help for your specific requirements, you can contact Apollo Logistics to find out more
How much is the average cost of sea shipping from China to Singapore?
Sea freight shipping from China to Singapore depends on cargo volumes, as rates fluctuate monthly and are not fixed. Please contact us to get a quotation today!
How is ocean freight shipped?
Ocean freight utilises various ship types for efficient transportation. Standardised containers are loaded onto container ships, offering a secure and efficient way to move large quantities of goods. This method streamlines loading, unloading, and inland transport, making it a cost-effective solution.
